Heaslip takes the reins following Brian O'Driscoll and Leo Cullen's retirements last summer. Having captained Ireland and Leinster in the past, he will bring a wealth of experience to the role and he will be assisted by Sean O'Brien and Rob Kearney, according to the Irish Times.

Cullen has now moved into a backroom role with Leinster as their new forwards coach and he will work alongside head coach Matt O'Connor, assistant coach Richie Murphy and scrum coach Marco Caputo. For O'Connor, he wants the side to push on after lifting the PRO12 title last term.

"Last season was a season of huge positives for us as a group," O'Connor said. "But like all teams there are also work ons for us and we have been very focused in our pre-season preparations in terms of where we want to be as a group come the end of the season.

"New additions to the squad like Sean McCarthy and the players stepping up from the Academy have settled very well and are making an impact, while we are obviously looking forward to Kane Douglas and Ben Te'o joining us when their respective contracts come to an end."